{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"61cb215c4c4bc4d311d1f858","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/61cb215c4c4bc4d311d1f858","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/61cb215c4c4bc4d311d1f858","title":"Solid State Laser Engineer / Builder","description":"We are seeking an experienced Senior Solid‑State Laser Engineer / Builder to support the hands‑on assembly, integration, alignment, and testing of advanced solid‑state laser systems in a research laboratory environment.\n\nThis a long‑term and permanent position supporting a 30+ year old company within the DOD and NASA space! This role is 100% onsite at headquarters located in Herndon, VA. (Relocation Bonus available!)\n\nThis role works closely with laser, mechanical, and electrical engineers to execute builds based on verbal direction, sketches, and evolving documentation, particularly during early‑stage prototype development. As systems mature, the technician will also support formalized build and acceptance testing for deliverable hardware intended for operation in demanding environments.\n\nThe ideal candidate is a senior technician who is comfortable working in a research setting, can independently execute complex optical builds, and brings strong workmanship and lab discipline without owning the underlying laser architecture or design direction.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nIndependently assemble, integrate, and align solid‑state laser systems and subsystems\n\nBuild and align laser resonators, amplifiers, and non‑linear frequency conversion modules\n\nSupport integration of lasers into mechanically and environmentally robust packaged systems\n\nExecute optical alignment and troubleshooting with minimal supervision\n\nSupport early‑stage prototype builds where procedures and designs may evolve\n\nPerform performance characterization and diagnostic testing under engineering guidance\n\nExecute formal acceptance and qualification testing for deliverable systems\n\nInterpret verbal instructions, sketches, and partial documentation and translate them into high‑quality hardware\n\nIdentify workmanship issues, integration risks, or build‑related improvements and communicate them to the technical team\n\nAccurately document configurations, alignment settings, and test results\n\nMaintain lab organization, tooling, and laser safety practices\n\nServe as an experienced lab resource for best practices and informal mentoring\n\nMinimum Requirements\n\n5+ years of hands‑on laboratory experience with solid‑state laser systems or high‑power optical assemblies\n\nDemonstrated experience supporting R&D or prototype laser development programs\n\nStrong background in optical alignment, resonator setup, and laser diagnostics\n\nProven ability to execute complex builds based on verbal guidance and evolving requirements\n\nHigh attention to detail, workmanship, and documentation\n\nEducation\n\nBachelor’s degree, Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent hands‑on laboratory experience (Relevant experience is valued over formal degree.)\n\nDesired Qualifications\n\nExperience with environmentally ruggedized or packaged laser systems\n\nExperience with non‑linear optics and frequency conversion (e.g., SHG, OPO, OPA)\n\nExperience performing acceptance or qualification testing\n\nExperience working in small research teams or defense / government‑funded programs\n\nComfort serving as a “go‑to” lab technician for complex optical builds\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","company":"Nss","rawCompany":"nss","city":"Herndon","state":"VA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-06-20T03:40:43.714Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-3029.08","title":"Photonics Technicians","slug":"photonics-technicians"},{"code":"17-2199.07","title":"Photonics Engineers","slug":"photonics-engineers"},{"code":"17-3029.00","title":"Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other","slug":"engineering-technologists-and-technicians-except-drafters-all-other"}],"industries":[{"code":"541715","title":"Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)","slug":"research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences-except-nanotechnology-and-biotechnology"},{"code":"334511","title":"Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing","slug":"search-detection-navigation-guidance-aeronautical-and-nautical-system-and-instrument-manufacturing"},{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Solid State Laser Engineer / Builder","description":"We are seeking an experienced Senior Solid‑State Laser Engineer / Builder to support the hands‑on assembly, integration, alignment, and testing of advanced solid‑state laser systems in a research laboratory environment.\n\nThis a long‑term and permanent position supporting a 30+ year old company within the DOD and NASA space! This role is 100% onsite at headquarters located in Herndon, VA. (Relocation Bonus available!)\n\nThis role works closely with laser, mechanical, and electrical engineers to execute builds based on verbal direction, sketches, and evolving documentation, particularly during early‑stage prototype development. As systems mature, the technician will also support formalized build and acceptance testing for deliverable hardware intended for operation in demanding environments.\n\nThe ideal candidate is a senior technician who is comfortable working in a research setting, can independently execute complex optical builds, and brings strong workmanship and lab discipline without owning the underlying laser architecture or design direction.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nIndependently assemble, integrate, and align solid‑state laser systems and subsystems\n\nBuild and align laser resonators, amplifiers, and non‑linear frequency conversion modules\n\nSupport integration of lasers into mechanically and environmentally robust packaged systems\n\nExecute optical alignment and troubleshooting with minimal supervision\n\nSupport early‑stage prototype builds where procedures and designs may evolve\n\nPerform performance characterization and diagnostic testing under engineering guidance\n\nExecute formal acceptance and qualification testing for deliverable systems\n\nInterpret verbal instructions, sketches, and partial documentation and translate them into high‑quality hardware\n\nIdentify workmanship issues, integration risks, or build‑related improvements and communicate them to the technical team\n\nAccurately document configurations, alignment settings, and test results\n\nMaintain lab organization, tooling, and laser safety practices\n\nServe as an experienced lab resource for best practices and informal mentoring\n\nMinimum Requirements\n\n5+ years of hands‑on laboratory experience with solid‑state laser systems or high‑power optical assemblies\n\nDemonstrated experience supporting R&D or prototype laser development programs\n\nStrong background in optical alignment, resonator setup, and laser diagnostics\n\nProven ability to execute complex builds based on verbal guidance and evolving requirements\n\nHigh attention to detail, workmanship, and documentation\n\nEducation\n\nBachelor’s degree, Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent hands‑on laboratory experience (Relevant experience is valued over formal degree.)\n\nDesired Qualifications\n\nExperience with environmentally ruggedized or packaged laser systems\n\nExperience with non‑linear optics and frequency conversion (e.g., SHG, OPO, OPA)\n\nExperience performing acceptance or qualification testing\n\nExperience working in small research teams or defense / government‑funded programs\n\nComfort serving as a “go‑to” lab technician for complex optical builds\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","datePosted":"2026-06-20T03:40:43.714Z","dateModified":"2026-06-20T03:40:43.714Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Nss","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Herndon","addressRegion":"VA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"61cb215c4c4bc4d311d1f858"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/61cb215c4c4bc4d311d1f858"}}